1888 Boston Base Ball Club "Boston Club Cigar" Display Print

Published and copyrighted by noted Boston photographer and artist G. H. Hastings, this classic engraved print is entitled "Boston Base Ball Club 1888." It features a game-in-progress stadium scene with the Boston Base Ball Club on the field, and prominently advertises for "John A. Andrews & Co.'s Boston Club Cigar" in the top margin. This print is especially noteworthy in that the images of the players in the field (as well as those on the sidelines) are illustrated with perfect likenesses. Clarkson is pitching. Kelly is catching. Radbourn is sitting on the sidelines, etc. Even the fans in the stands are depicted with the same attention to detail, and John Ward and Harry Wright can be easily identified among those enjoying the game. The extraordinary detail makes this print one of the most unique and interesting of all pre-1900 baseball display pieces. This is one of only two high-quality detailed black-and-white baseball prints produced during the era that featured players' actual likenesses, the other being the "Opening Game of the Boston Base-Ball Club Season of 1889" produced by fellow Boston photographer and artist G. Walden Smith. The print (25.75 x 19.75 inches), which is mounted on a heavy cardboard backing, displays a number of small abrasions to the central image area and light foxing throughout. There are three horizontal border tears (no paper loss), the largest of which extends 3.75 inches into the central image area, running through the legs of the first baseman. A number of areas of surface paper loss are evident in the white border areas of the print. In Good condition overall. While some of the flaws could be masked by matting and framing, this piece is a prime candidate for professional restoration, the process of which should ameliorate the most glaring defects and all but eliminate the lesser ones. From the Ron Menchine Collection. Reserve $300. Estimate $500+SOLD FOR $1,175

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